https://www.consolidated-audio.de/en
After spending time with a bunch of different step-up transformers over the years (SA Labs, Kondo, Airtight, Koetsu, CS Port, to name a few), I’ve come to realize something after hearing the Consolidated Audio “Monster Can” — there really isn’t a single “best” SUT out there. I now believe it boils down to finding the best SUT and cartridge pairing. Yes it can get expensive but it’s also fun and a wonderful learning experience.
For the MSL Signature Diamond (my current favorite), it was suggested by the owner-designer of Consolidated Audio, Michael Ulbrich, to run it through an extra low impedance SUT with about a 1:12 ratio. This also would allow me to use my SoundSmith Sussurro Gold LE as well, not a “perfect” match but close enough. Also taken into consideration were my 2 different phono stages, the all-tubed NVO SPA-ONE SE and my CS Port C3EQM2 battery-powered tubed phono unit.
Now, onto the sound — and wow. The Monster Can just opens everything up. It’s more nuanced and dynamic than anything I’ve used before. There’s this lovely sense of air and openness, with a blacker background and a deeper, weightier soundstage. You really hear the expression in the musicians’ playing, and the tonality just feels right.
Bass is tighter and goes deeper, and there’s more resolution across the board. You get this amazing sense of space — theirs more of that 3D ambience of the recording that just jumps out. The stage feels huge and believable, like the band’s right there in front of you.
What I love most is how natural the musical flow feels. Sometimes you just want to sit back and soak it all in quietly… other times, it makes you want to get up and dance. It really depends on the record spinning at the time.
All in all, the “Monster” Can is one seriously impressive SUT — a reminder that the magic happens when you find the perfect match between cartridge and transformer.
